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TRUCKEE, Calif. - The Sierra Nevada Mountains provide a majestic backdrop to one of the "Coolest Hardware Stores" in the country. Ace Hardware Corporation has acknowledged more than the view, however, and bestowed the recognition on Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports and only five other stores nationwide for their unique offerings and special service.

This is the second year Ace has singled out individual retailers for their "cool" factor from among the 4,600 locally owned and operated Ace Hardware stores worldwide.

Employee-owned Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports, which opened its doors in 1977, has successfully combined multiple retail concepts under one roof for an experience that's as enticing as the landscape outside.

"We try to offer something for everybody," said Doug Wright, general manager of Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports. "We really are a general store, with a traditional hardware store alongside with clothing, fishing and camping gear, decor, and so much more.

"Our employees have the autonomy to bring in what customers ask for," he continued. "This has played a role in our success and contributed to our satisfaction levels across the board."

"One of the best attributes about Ace Hardware and one of our biggest competitive advantages is the uniqueness of our stores," said Kane Calamari, vice president of retail operations and new business at Ace Hardware Corporation. "Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports is everything but a cookie cutter store, and it's most deserving of this recognition."

Local award recipients were invited to take part in a retail symposium for Ace's annual Platinum Conference, which brings together Ace's top-performing retailers from around the country. During the conference, Ace Mountain Hardware and Sports was honored with a trophy identifying the location as a "Coolest Hardware Store."

Across the board, Ace Hardware stores are known for their excellent customer satisfaction and helpfulness. In 2012 the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Home Improvement Retailer Store Satisfaction Study ranked Ace Hardware "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Home Improvement Retail Stores, Six Years in a Row."